Finance Associate

Finance Associate Department: Accounting & Finance Employment Type: Full Time Location: Melville, NY Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000 / year Description The Opportunity Our Finance team is growing and we need someone who brings more than technical accounting skills — we need someone who is operationally minded, always looking to improve how things work, and motivated to move the ball forward. You will work alongside a Senior Financial Analyst and a Senior Staff Accountant, reporting directly to our Head of Finance and Operations. This is a hands‑on generalist role covering accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and a range of accounting and finance tasks that support the full department. If you see a process that could be better, we want to hear about it — and we want you to help fix it. The Company We are a small team with a big vision: to be the premier provider of cloud technology solutions for retailers. KWI offers a complete, unified commerce solution from a single database, specifically designed to help specialty retailers grow their business. Our portfolio of customers include Pandora, Bluemercury, Tom Ford and many other globally recognizable brands. We combine Point of Sale, Merchandising, Order Management, eCommerce, CRM, and Loss Prevention into one cloud‑based platform. We are a Values and Mission driven organization, and we believe that if we develop and demonstrate leadership in our strategy, operations, and people, we will continue to drive product innovation and service excellence. Who we are We have the stability of a company that has been around for 40+ years and the energy of a startup that is still figuring out how to do things better every day. We move fast, we question the status quo, and we expect everyone on the team to do the same. If you are genuinely curious, have a better-than-average level of common sense, and get excited by solving real problems rather than just doing your job description — KWI is for you. We do not have a lot of bureaucracy and we do not want people who need it. What we do have is a team that shows up, figures things out, and takes pride in the work. AI at KWI We are serious about AI — not as a buzzword but as a real part of how we work. We expect every member of our team to actively use AI tools to work smarter, move faster, and do more with less. In Finance, that means using AI to streamline reconciliations, automate routine reporting, identify anomalies in data, and accelerate research. We are also implementing an AI‑powered accounts payable system that will help shape and adopt. We are not looking for someone who has heard of AI. We are looking for someone who can walk us through how they use it day to day — in their current role, in how they organize their work, and in how they solve problems. Curiosity and a willingness to experiment are non‑negotiable. As a Finance Associate, you excel at the following core competencies Operational mindset — you notice inefficiencies and take initiative to improve them Attention to detail and accuracy in financial recordkeeping Adaptability and comfort working across multiple accounting and finance functions Clear communication with internal teams and external vendors Self‑direction and follow‑through with minimal oversight Curiosity and a practical approach to using AI in your everyday work The impact you'll make Accounts Payable & AP System Manage the full AP cycle — processing invoices, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring accurate and timely payments. Support the rollout and ongoing adoption of our new AI‑powered AP system, helping shape workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. Accounts Receivable Own AR — invoicing clients, tracking collections, and following up on outstanding balances. Month‑End Close & Reporting Support month‑end and year‑end close by preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules. Maintain accurate general ledger entries and support the integrity of our financial records. Assist the Senior Financial Analyst and Senior Staff Accountant with financial reporting, audit preparation, and ad‑hoc analysis as needed. Process Improvement & AI Identify inefficiencies in existing accounting and finance workflows and propose practical improvements — then help implement them. Actively use AI tools to automate routine tasks, surface insights from financial data, and free up time for higher‑value work. Collaborate across the finance team and with cross‑functional departments to resolve discrepancies and streamline processes. What you will bring Requirements 3 to 5 years of experience in an accounting or finance role with hands‑on AP and AR ownership. Strong understanding of general accounting principles and the month‑end close process. Experience working in accounting software — NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage, or similar. Demonstrated use of AI tools in your day‑to‑day work — be ready to talk specifically about how and where. High attention to detail with a track record of accurate, organized financial recordkeeping. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines without losing momentum. Clear communicator who works effectively across departments and with external vendors. Nice to haves / Preferred Experience with AI‑assisted or automated AP tools and workflow automation. Background in a SaaS, technology, or subscription‑based business model. Exposure to audit preparation or working with external auditors. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. As a member of the KWI team you will receive Full Medical, Dental and Vision Annual bonus eligible Free gym in the building Generous PTO policy Summer Fridays....all year round Tuition Reimbursement Discount from building café 401(K) with a 50% company match (up to 6% of employee contribution) Employee Referral Program (1) Volunteer day each year Our work space We understand that our teams need flexibility, which is why we follow a hybrid schedule. Our in‑office days of Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and employees are allowed to work remotely on Wednesdays and Friday. We are also a collaborative group and believe that getting together in person allows our team to do their best work. Together we enjoy monthly events, bagels every Thursday, a state‑of‑the‑art coffee machine, a full snack pantry and many more surprise and delight moments throughout the year. Our commitment to you At KWI, we know that cultivating diversity and fostering an inclusive work environment is critical to our impact and success. We create an environment where no individual is advantaged or disadvantaged because of their background. We offer equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, or protected veteran status. With a commitment to maintaining a bias‑free environment in which harassment is prohibited, we respect cultural diversity and comply with the laws of the places in which we operate. We expect our business partners, suppliers, clients, and all our team members to uphold these commitments. #J-18808-Ljbffr KWI